Art explores 'Univeral Desires" January 20, 2007

A study of love and longing despite opposition

Raymond Morrow's 'Universal Desires' at Viveza Gallery

Seattle -- Raymond Morrow returns to Viveza Gallery, 2604 Western Ave., on Wednesday, Jan. 17 with "Universal Desires." Morrow returns to figurative painting to explore love, longing and sexuality in the face of opposition. Opening reception for the exhibit, the Seattle-trained artist's fourth at Viveza, is from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 19. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday.

Continuing his dialogue of universal desires, ingrained fears and inherent archetypes, Morrow's new work challenges the stigma placed on same-sex relationships and celebrates the joys and uncertainties that all people experience in the face of love and lust. Drawing from pop culture, Web sites, media and his own experiences, Morrow touches on the "positions and challenges many young gay men face in a polarized modern society."

Departing from of his series of psychoanalytic self portraits, Morrow presents his findings from a more narrative series of paintings. Each new work tells a story, which while rife with esoteric symbols sets, could be from the life of anyone who has loved another despite religious, societal, familial or similar obstacles.

"The characters in these paintings all have the freedom to embrace and celebrate, without judgment or repercussion, the universal yearnings to love and be loved, to share a life with another, and be part of a caring community," he said.

Whether Morrow's cast of characters and their actions seem unsettling or liberating, they are natural in a world created to reclaim "the goodness, purity and beauty in those who are sometimes cast as second class sinners for simply being who they are."

These new works also mark an evolution of Morrow's technique. His method of layering oil paint on canvas has been replaced by a complex process of sketch transfer painted over with oil and acrylic -- sometimes ornamented with other materials, such as gold leaf.
Morrow grew up in Denver through the ninth grade. His family then moved to a small town near White Pass, Wash. Morrow moved to Seattle to continue his art education and earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in painting and video from Seattle’s renowned Cornish College of the Arts. He also explored sculpture and furniture making.

"Universal Desires" closes on Sunday, Feb. 18.

Go to www.viveza.com for Morrow’s complete portfolio and biography.

Official Website: http://www.viveza.com